The largest steelworks in Iran destroyed after airstrikes. The US is threatening to strike power plants

Iran's two largest steel mills announced on Thursday that they had suspended operations following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. A fire broke out near the airport in Mashhad in northeastern Iran after a fuel tank was hit, the Mehr news agency reported.

Our production lines have been completely shut down due to the intense attacks, Mobarakeh Steel Company, Iran's largest steel producer, said on Wednesday evening. The company's plants are located near the city of Isfahan in the central part of the country.

The second largest steel producer, Khouzestan Steel Company, announced that it will take six months to a year to restart its plants in western Iran.

The Tehran branch of the Pasteur Institute dealing with medical research was also seriously damaged in Thursday's attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, Reuters reported, citing Iranian media.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday evening another two-three weeks of “extremely strong” attacks on Iran, which are expected to bring the country “to the Stone Age.” He warned that if the authorities in Tehran do not reach an agreement with Washington, the US will strike, among others. in Iranian power plants.

In response, the Iranian army threatened to launch “crushing” strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets.

The war between the US, Israel and Iran has been going on since February 28. One of its effects is the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, which led to a sharp increase in global oil and gas prices. (PAP)

adj/rtt/